The 7th Annual Calabasas Film Festival kicked off Wednesday night, with over 31 films available to watch online until Oct. 23. Thirteen of those are 15-minute films made by local high school students from the Viewpoint School (“Social Distancing Duel”) and Calabasas High School (“A Quarantine Story”, directed by Rachel Sands.) Students from Chaminade High School in West Hills and Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village submitted films as well. A full compilation of 2020 student work can be viewed here.

On Sept. 27, student winners will be announced. Normally, this would include a screening of all student films and award ceremony at Founders’ Hall at the Calabasas Civic Center, but because of the long 2020 “quarantine story,” it will be virtual. Last years’ Best Film Award went to Viewpoint submission “Static,” and a Best Writing Award was granted to “Lunch” from Calabasas High School.

Normally, the whole festival takes place over five days, with screenings taking place all over town and a series of networking events and premiere parties. In 2020, $49.99 will buy a pass to watch all of this year’s films online, which include “Rosie,” a Tessa Germaine film that reimagines Rosie the Riveter standing up against sexual harassment in a World War II-era factory; “Gum,” which imagines a world in which chewing gum is being pitched as a new concept; and “Let The People Decide,” an award-winning Gavin Guerra documentary on the battle for voting rights in the United States.

The festival won’t be entirely online, however. A drive-in premiere of Liam Neeson film “Honest Thief” will take place Friday night at the King Gillette Ranch. The event, which begins at 6 p.m., will also feature a DJ, goodie bags, and a photo booth. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit here to buy tickets and learn more about the event.